Israeli airstrikes on a Gaza school on Thursday were claimed to have destroyed fighters believed to have been part of an October 7 raid that started an eight-month conflict, as well as a Hamas compound. However, Gaza media reported the strike killed at least 27 sheltering civilians, disputing Israel's claims of a military target. The director of Hamas-run government media accused Israel of fabricating stories to justify what he termed a brutal act against displaced people.
The Israeli military stated precautions were taken to minimize civilian casualties before the airstrike in Nuseirat, central Gaza. This attack followed Israel's initiation of a new military campaign in central Gaza to counter insurgents using hit-and-run tactics. Despite ongoing ceasefire talks, Israel declared there would be no cessation of hostilities.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh rebuffed a recent ceasefire proposal from U.S. President Joe Biden, demanding a permanent end to the conflict and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. This stance complicates international efforts to broker peace, with Qatar and Egypt continuing mediation efforts despite previous ceasefire attempts failing since November.
The Biden administration's latest ceasefire initiative aims for a phased approach involving temporary truces and prisoner exchanges, yet Hamas insists on comprehensive resolution terms. The conflict has left a devastating toll: around 1,200 dead and over 250 hostages initially captured by Hamas, with thousands more casualties reported in Gaza amid widespread destruction.
In Israel, political pressures mount on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate a resolution while managing internal dissent over ceasefire terms that could leave Hamas intact. Meanwhile, tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon add to regional instability, with the U.S. urging against further escalation.
